Рубрики

5 principles of towing: choosing the right rope

The cable in the trunk — the closest relative of first aid kits and fire extinguishers, for all their otherness… When everything is in order, they irritate their obvious uselessness. But if “push”, the picture is reversed: “slacker” call for help — save!“Behind the wheel”

1. You to tow or pull?

What’s the difference? At least the pricing: the so-called jerk the cables are much more expensive than their “conventional” counterparts. They can, of course, to use for conventional towing, but it is irrational: after all, they are created for the other. When the tug begins to move, jerk the rope, first stretched, then abruptly to “shoot”, being reduced in size. An experienced driver of a tug, sensing this moment, normally putting on the brake: the energy of the collapsing rope goes almost entirely towed the car, pulling her with impenetrable plot. In practice, if a snatch rope is used for towing, then fold it in half.

Dynamic sling (4,5 t, 5 m) from the Ufa company “Rigging+” optimal for vehicles with weight up to 1.5 tons. The width of the used ribbon is 5.5 cm coupling — “loop/loop”.Dynamic sling (4,5 t, 5 m) from the Ufa company “Rigging+” optimal for vehicles with weight up to 1.5 tons. The width of the used ribbon is 5.5 cm coupling — “loop/loop”.

Retroreflective check boxes: these need to accommodate a minimum of two pieces. Type of fixing: double-sided Velcro. The size of a checkbox: visible — 200×200 mm, full — 400×200 mm retroreflective check boxes: these need to accommodate a minimum of two pieces. Type of fixing: double-sided Velcro. The size of a checkbox: visible — 200×200 mm, full — 400×200 mm.

The line is dynamic (4.5 tons, 5 meter) Standard, the Rigging +

Set of flags with reflective tape for tow strap/rope

2. Length and load?

With a length of tow rope not needed: its value is specified in the SDA. It should be from 4 to 6 meters. Worse other: the cable should be marked with flags or shields of the established sample, which manufacturers of cables somehow forget… it may well be that such flags-flaps will have to be purchased separately: otherwise, you have the right to punish. With regard to the effort shown on the package of the cable, in practice, the most common are 5-ton cables, which are suitable to tow almost any car.

Pay special attention to the length. If the rope is too short, then at the first braking of the towing will regret your kindness: towed will drive him in the loin part of the body. But too long a rope — not a gift: think about how you can turn into the lane, or worse, in the driveway? Tugboat, then will quietly stop at the corner, and that long rope pulls you to the side, exacerbating the trouble.

Example a tow strap with a working load of 4 tons and the minimum breaking 6 tons. Ideal for vehicles with a curb weight up to 2 tons. Tape material polyester, design: “hook/hook”.Example a tow strap with a working load of 4 tons and the minimum breaking 6 tons. Ideal for vehicles with a curb weight up to 2 tons. Tape material polyester, design: “hook/hook”.

Dynamic rope “Dornelor” (12 tons, 9 meters) is designed for vehicles weighing from 2000 to 3500 lbs. This should cope with virtually any entrenched dirt SUV. By the way, the line is made in Russia.Dynamic rope “Dornelor” (12 tons, 9 meters) is designed for vehicles weighing from 2000 to 3500 lbs. This should cope with virtually any entrenched dirt SUV. By the way, the line is made in Russia.

Tie-down strap with working load 4 t

Dynamic sling (12 ton, 9 metres), Dornbos

Jerk the cable requires a slightly different approach. Products with the specified load of 4.5–4.6 t can be used for pulling out stuck snowmobiles, ATVs and cars. For vehicles with weight not exceeding two tonnes (and that almost all the cars) will fit cables with a load of 8-9 tons. But if we are talking about such “crooks” as Land Rover Defender 110, Land Cruiser 100/110, etc., you will need cables with a load of 11 to 14 tonnes. As to the products with declared load of 15-18 tons, they are suitable for Hummers and their counterparts.

Jerk of the ropes length is usually from 5 to 12 meters. In the average case it is better to focus on the length of 9 meters. As for the price, the cheaper products are suitable, in General, anyone who is not going to specifically get into some jungle. But honey needed just for those who climb somewhere special.

3. What is it made of?

This is also simple: the cables are metallic and nonmetallic. Steel, of course, deserves respect, however, the use of such cable will not everyone. Yeah, it’s strong, but almost does not soften the jerks, inevitable when towing. In this case you are almost certainly guaranteed splinters and abrasion due to thin steel wires that make up the body of the cable. With a body like this cable too will not stand on ceremony: for ZIL-130, he was perfect, but for the spineless modern cars, not so much. Compact place this product in the trunk is problematic: a large rusting, the Bay is not a gift. Finally, because of the same rust cable may just burst under load.

Non-metallic cables, everything is easier: compact, light, aesthetic, no rust. These cables are today mostly sold. However, you can’t miss with a load: it is necessary to choose, based on the weight of the towed machine, and at least with a double stock. For example, if your car weighs about two tons, then the cable should be approximately 5 tons.

4. What to cling to?

As for mounting, the two main types of loop and hook. And here it is necessary to remember about the troubles that might result in a poorly chosen attachment.

Let’s start with the hook. Convenient to use: hooked and went… But there is a serious risk: rathnapriya or bad geared hook turns into a weapon: the released rope is compressed like a spring, and the hook is ready to break anything from a glass machine to someone’s head… just In case all owners of ropes with hooks advice: when you mount to the towing eye, first insert it in the cable near the hook folded in half and then insert the hook into the loop formed. Get kind of a chain block, which, first, will reduce the load on the hook, and secondly, even when it breaks, won’t let him “fire” brothers in mind.

Loop a priori free of such horror stories. But unsuccessfully tied knot can be stubborn when trying to release the rope and it will tighten so that it is time to call for help something cutting. In such cases, the rational use of so-called chakli — these are the metal brackets made, usually in the form of half rings with knobs on the ends and holes with a thread into which the screw powerful “finger”. Pair Shklow takes up minimal space in the trunk, and secure them properly as and release, can any nerd, far from technology. To pick up the necessary SACL is possible in Internet store “at the wheel”.

And another “seasoned advice” for those who only need the cable for a single pull, to pull someone out of a snowdrift, ruskiego soil, etc. If you do not properly secure the hooks, and the word “Sakl” you are unknown to all, before a final push throw on the cable jacket Mat or something like that. If the cable will not stand the jerk, the end it just drops to the ground, and not going to destroy everything. By the way, just in case, ask all of the “audience” to go away — you never know what…

Damping of the cable with the weighting agent is a special product that is used as the weight means of the cargo, which suppresses the bulk part of the energy from the broken slings or rope when using the winch or dynamic slings during the evacuation of the car. Thereby reducing the risk of human injury or vehicle damage. The product is fixed to a sling or rope using the tape contact adhesive located on the inner side of the extinguisher.

However, instead of a jacket it is advisable to throw a special damper cable. It is fixed to a sling or a rope with the help of Velcro. As a weighting agent using a dense textile tape sewn along the entire length of the product; also has a pocket for weighting. Sewn reflective stripes on both sides of the product ensure visibility of the rope or sling in low-light conditions.

5. How to go?

Towed to go heavier. In the movie “Morning rounds” hero Andrey Myagkov, a Muscovite who was taken in tow by a truck, trying in vain to stop him, because he about him just… forgot! Therefore, the driver of a tow, it is often necessary to glance in the mirror: lost it the poor guy somewhere down the road…

Towed the car to work the steering and brakes. Before you start driving don’t forget to unlock the steering wheel.

If you have any questions regarding the selection and proper operation of the cables and the necessary accessories, please contact the online store “Behind the wheel”! Traditionally, the period of posting the article prices for the whole range reduced.

5 principles of towing: choosing the right ropePhoto: manufacturers, depositphotos5 principles of towing: choosing the right rope